Cleaning Filter

[Dexrop]

I was just wondering how often i should be cleaning my filter and how? Also when should i be replacing the cartridges?

I'm using a whisper bio bag filter cartridge in a 5 gallon tank with 3 guppies(male) and a snail.

Thanks

 

[mfdrookie516]

Clean weekly or bi-weekly. All you gotta do is when you do a water change, swish/squeeze/whatever the filter cartridge around in the bucket of water that you take out. You dont need to replace the cartridge until it is literally falling apart. I've had the sponges in my ac's and canisters going on a year now with a weekly cleaning.